Michigan FarmersFeed US

Michigan Soybean Farmer

“…doing our very best to work with Mother Nature and the technology and the information we have to grow the best crop…”

Ed CagneySoybean Farmer

Name: Ed CagneyLocation: Scotts, MichiganYears farming: After attending Michigan State University, I returned home in 1981 to farm full time with my father, who has since retired.My family: My great grandfather emigrated from Ireland and settled in the Kalamazoo area in 1869 at what has now been the home farm for four generations. In 1989, I married the love of my life, Schelle, and inherited two horses and a dog.How I came to be a farmer: In 1984, I bought my first 77 acre farm. Over the years, we have expanded the herd to five horses, two dogs, and numerous barn cats. The farm has also grown to 2,200 acres, 1,300 of which are leased.
I’ve been a volunteer fireman for 25 years, while also serving on both the township board of review and planning commission. Last year my wife Schelle left her job as a pharmaceutical technician to join me on the farm full time.The best thing about being a farmer: I just like to grow crops, but my favorite part is bringing in the harvest.My personal philosophy on farming: I do the best that I can using technology to work with nature.

Soybean Production in Michigan and the United States

Michigan soybeans have an economic impact of over $1 billion

Nearly 7,000 jobs in Michigan result from the soybean industry

One bushel of soybeans equals 44 pounds of soybean meal, 11 pounds of soybean oil, and 5 pounds of other material such as the hulls